James M. Jeffords: “I stand here to raise some questions and issues of importance. There are so many difficult problems that Americans must…”

“I stand here to raise some questions and issues of importance. There are so many difficult problems that Americans must face every day. These include crowded roads, finding adequate and affordable health care, getting a good education for their children, and improving their economic situation. I believe our constituents want and should expect the Federal Government to do whatever is possible to minimize these burdens with minimal intrusion. I also believe that Americans want to trust that the government is working to protect them from involuntary risks or dangers that will affect their lives, like defective products, unfair trade practices, and corporate fraud. Or, perhaps one of the public's greatest expectations about such risks is that the Federal Government will effectively stop pollution that would shorten lives, put people in the hospital or otherwise harm their quality of life or their earning power. Not to speak of cancer or developmental damage that might occur to their families. It is my duty, as a Senator from Vermont and as the ranking member of the Environment and Public Works Committee to see that the Federal Government meets the public's expectations. Sadly, it is my duty to say that in this matter the administration has grossly failed those expectations and has betrayed the public's trust.”